Celebrity System

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra, known as the “Chairman of the Board,” was a revolutionary figure in American music. With a velvety voice and impeccable phrasing, he redefined the art of popular singing. Rising to fame in the swing era, Sinatra’s career spanned decades, encompassing jazz, pop, and big band music. His charisma and undeniable talent earned him a devoted following known as the “Sinatra Craze.” Beyond his musical prowess, Sinatra was a complex figure, embodying both the American Dream and its darker undercurrents. He remains an enduring symbol of style, sophistication, and the timeless allure of classic music.

Here is a photo of Sinatra, likely taken around 1965, sitting in his home in Palm Springs, California, in front of a three channel Hi-Fi system. The system appears to include a McIntosh C22 preamplifier, Fisher R200 tuner, Presto 825 reel-to-reel recorder, and a trio of power amplifiers. The speakers are likely a classic 1960s model from Altec-Lansing or JBL.

Frank Sinatra Palm Springs Hi-Fi — Frank Sinatra with his home Hi-Fi system around 1965

Frank Sinatra’s System

The McIntosh C22 is a legendary vacuum tube preamplifier that was produced from 1963 to 1968. It’s renowned for its warm, rich sound and exceptional build quality, making it a highly sought-after piece of audio equipment among vintage enthusiasts. The C22 employs multiple 12AX7 tubes for its circuitry, contributing to its distinctive sonic character.

McIntosh C22 Frank Sinatra — McIntosh C22 Preamplifier

The Fisher R200 is a vintage AM/FM stereo tuner from the early 1960s. Known for its exceptional performance and classic aesthetics, it’s a sought-after piece among audiophiles and collectors. It used an “MPX-60” stereo decoder to allow for accurate FM stereo reception.

Frank Sinatra Fisher R200 AM/FM Tuner — Fisher R200 AM/FM Tuner

The Presto 825 tape recorder was available in Mono, 2, 3, and 4 track stereo configurations. It had individual head tape lifters, and separate power supplies for the record/bias circuits. Presto recorders were aimed largely at the professional and military markets.

Presto 800 Series tape recorder brochure

Did you know that you can rent Sinatra’s “Twin Palms” home in Palm Springs? You won’t find Frank’s vintage Hi-Fi system there, but you will find a beautiful house in a beautiful setting, and inside you’ll find a very rare “Rek-O-Kut” recording machine that could record onto blank acetate discs.

Here’s a link if you’d like to rent Frank Sinatra’s house in Palm Springs, California:

Rent Frank Sinatra’s Palm Springs House